Join us February 11 for special programming to mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Science is critical to addressing social and environmental challenges – it provides a framework to help us understand the world around us. And yet, according to the 2015 UNESCO Science Report, women account for only 28% of researchers across the world, and are even less represented at the higher echelons of decision-making. Women are interested and capable in STEM, so why such underrepresentation? Largely because of persisting gender stereotypes and biases.

See the Milky Way and galaxies with the unaided eye. Point your telescope to find the many dim deep space objects that sprinkle the sky. Away from Toronto's light pollution, there is so much to see. We usually observe from Long Sault Conservation Area, but this month we will be going to Glen Major Forest. Observing will begin around dusk in the parking lot. We will hold this event on the first clear night of our week-long window, so the exact date will be determined closer to the event.

WPSE 2018 is an opportunity for scientists and engineers to showcase their recent findings in the field of planetary science and exploration. The event highlights the achievements of women and non-binary researchers, while offering an opportunity to discuss, challenge, network, and support their peers. Supporting #WomenInSTEM is the prime goal of this event.

The RASC - Toronto Centre will be an active participant at the annual Winter WonderLearn held in Courtice. Indoors, we will talk astronomy to visiting families, show young astronomers how to use planispheres, distribute literature and, weather permitting, show the sun with our solar scopes outside. This Family Day, your family can enjoy a free day of fun at a festival designed to get you active, learn something new, and enjoy time together!

Ever looked at the night sky and wondered, is that a star or a planet? Why are there so few stars over Mississauga? How far is the nearest star, or what is the nearest star to us? Join us as we explore the various classification types of stars, and learn how stars form or evolve. We also look at how hot or cold can stars get and more!

Meet one of Québec's most celebrated science communicators, Dr. Pierre Chastenay. The Royal Canadian Institute for Science recognizes Dr. Chastenay’s outstanding contributions to the public understanding of science with the 2017 Fleming Medal. The medal presentation is followed by a talk given by Dr. Chastenay about the work he does and what drives him to do it. This talk explores the importance of teaching science properly and making science accessible to everyone.

Learn how planetary scientists explore other planets here on Earth, through comparative planetology and meteoritics, and how we are preparing for future space missions by conducting terrestrial analogue missions.

Join scientists from McMaster University’s Physics and Astronomy Department for an entertaining night filled with scientific discussion, trivia, and beer. At Science on Tap, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with researchers in various scientific fields as they present some of science’s most intriguing phenomena. There will be plenty of time to ask questions while the scientists are on stage, or afterwards over cold pints. Come try this educational twist on a night out at the pub. Admission is FREE!

Join the Canada Council for the Arts for this special anniversary event featuring acclaimed winners of the Killam Prize. In an insightful panel discussion, three of Canada’s leading researchers will address the importance of creativity and imagination in the field of research, and the societal impact of their work in today’s world. The event is moderated by Paul Kennedy, Host of CBC Radio Ideas. Panelists:

A central question for humanity has long been “are we alone, and what is our place in the universe?” This fundamentally human question has motivated much of astronomy. The recent discovery of a plethora of exoplanets has raised the tantalizing possibility that we might start to answer that question. Searching for alien communications and chemical signatures of life represent two approaches to answering that question–but a third option also exists.